CIEA would like to wish our Tribal partners a Happy Winter Solstice.

The CIEA office is still physically closed until further noticed. Staff is still available via email and through out telephones.

Again, we are so happy to be able to provide you with monthly announcements about training, capacity building, Tribal Self-Advocacy and funding opportunities, as well as water related news. Readers are more than welcome to send information about upcoming events, training, or news that you think would be beneficial for other Tribal members in other regions to know to our Communications and Public Relations Coordinator, Joel Sedano at [log in to unmask]

The California Climate Investments cap-and-trade program creates a financial incentive for industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution. California Climate Investments projects include affordable housing, renewable energy, public transportation, zero-emission vehicles, environmental restoration, more sustainable agriculture, recycling and much more. At least 35 percent of these investments are made in disadvantaged communities and low-income communities and households.
The applications are accepted on a rolling basis. For more information, please hit the read more button below.

Position Description: The Cultural Burning/Fire Program Manager will be responsible for managing all aspects of AMLT's new cultural burning program. This includes identifying appropriate locations to conduct cultural burn activities based on ethno-botanical and cultural archeological research, preparing burn plans, securing appropriate permits and approvals, and conducting the burns in conjunction with AMLT’s Native Stewardship Corps (NSC) and other Tribal members. This position is also responsible for getting Native Stewardship Corps members trained and certified in all aspects of firefighting and identifying and securing the necessary equipment for the NSC to become an independent, fire-lighting/firefighting team. Lastly, this position will be responsible for developing expertise in post-fire recovery planning and implementation in collaboration with AMLT’s Native Plant Restoration and Native Stewardship Corps Program Managers.

Compensation: This is a full-time, exempt, position that comes with health benefits, vacation and sick leave, and paid time off for holidays. The compensation is between $70,000-80,000, depending upon experience.

To Apply: Applications will be accepted until this position is filled. If you are interested in this unique opportunity, please submit your resume, cover letter, and three references to Reed Holderman, Interim Executive Director, at [log in to unmask]

For more information about this position and how to apply, please hit the read more button below.

The Tribal Historic & Cultural Preservation Officer will primarily be responsible for managing all cultural resource stewardship matters involving AMLT and the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and for managing consultations with local, state and federal agencies through the Section 106 of NHPA, through AB 52 under CEQA, and through SB 18 when dealing with General Plan revisions and amendments. Close communication with Tribal leadership and public agencies throughout these consultations is essential.

This position is also responsible for managing AMLT’s Native American Archaeological Monitoring Program; the Integrative Cultural Resource Survey Program; consulting with the Tribe on a variety of cultural resource stewardship matters, including ethnographic studies, cultural resources surveys and reports, mitigation plans, environmental impact reports/statements, etc.; and for coordinating all cultural resource research and related activities involving AMLT, the Tribe, or resources located within Tribal Territory.

This is a full-time exempt position that comes with health benefits (medical insurance, dental, and vision), vacation time, sick leave, and paid time off for holidays. The compensation is between $70,000-80,000, depending upon experience.

If you are interested in this unique opportunity, please submit your resumes and cover letter to Kate Griffin, Executive Director at [log in to unmask] Questions can be directed to Kate at [log in to unmask] Applications will be accepted until this position is filled.


For more information about this position and how to apply, please hit the read more button below.

The Coastal & Ocean Stewardship Program Manager will be responsible for growing, managing, and evaluating AMLT’s nascent Coastal and Ocean Stewardship Program and will work to ensure that project activities serve the goals of the Tribe, meet grant commitments, and contribute to achieving AMLT’s core vision. The Program Manager will be responsible for designing and conducting research and monitoring activities at selected sites to better understand changing coastal and ocean environments. They will collaborate with research institutions and other Tribes to collect and analyze data, and will work closely with Tribal partners from within the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and beyond to gather knowledge about Indigenous land restoration and stewardship practices. All research and monitoring will be directly applicable to AMLT Coastal and Ocean Stewardship projects. Additionally, the Program Manager will be responsible for training Amah Mutsun youth and young adults in all facets of this program so they can restore and steward these environments and can become coastal and ocean science leaders themselves. The Program Manager will be responsible for maintaining and building the network of Tribes, research institutions, and conservation partners engaged in this work so information can be shared among the partners and with other Tribes.

This is a full-time, exempt, position that comes with health benefits, vacation and sick leave, and paid time off for holidays. The compensation is between $70,000-80,000, depending upon experience.

Applications will be accepted until this position is filled. If you are interested in this unique opportunity, please submit your resume, cover letter, and three references to Reed Holderman, Interim Executive Director, at [log in to unmask]


For more information about this position and how to apply, please hit the read more button below.

The Native Plant Restoration Program Manager will primarily be responsible for developing and managing AMLT’s horticultural and garden programs. The Program Manager will supervise all aspects of horticultural and garden operations, including managing volunteers and staff, planning and implementing restoration and garden projects within established deadlines, expanding the horticultural program, and carrying out research to improve operational efficiency and programmatic success. This is a full-time exempt position that comes with health benefits (medical insurance, dental, and vision), vacation time, sick leave, and paid time off for holidays. The compensation is between $70,000-80,000, depending upon experience.

If you are interested in this unique opportunity, please submit your resume and cover letter to Reed Holderman, Interim Executive Director at [log in to unmask] or mail us at 2460 17th Avenue, #1019, Santa Cruz, CA 95062. Questions can also be directed to Reed at this same email address.

Position is open until filled.


For more information about this position and how to apply, please hit the read more button below.

Adam Fleenor of the Cal GIS Council Tribal Workgroup has shared the Call for Content for the Tribal GIS Education Symposium (link embedded in flyer). Tribal GIS is a non-profit organization with an objective to provide assistance to Native American tribal governments and Native American organization regarding GIS technology. Tribal GIS brings together an organized environment for novice and advanced tribal GIS users.

More information can be found at their website https://tribalgis.com/.

Section 128(a) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), as amended, authorizes a noncompetitive $50 million grant program to establish or enhance state[1] and tribal [2] response programs. Generally, these response programs address the assessment, cleanup, and redevelopment of brownfields and other sites with actual or perceived contamination. Please visit Types of Brownfields Grant Funding for an overview of the State and Tribal Response Program Grants, including program resources and highlights. The link can be found in the read more button below.

Requests for FY 2022 Section 128(a) funding will be accepted from October 1, 2021 – December 17, 2021 and should be sent to the EPA Regional Office contact listed at the end of the guidance (link below).

First-time requestors are strongly encouraged to contact their Regional EPA Brownfields contact, listed on the last page of the guidance, prior to submitting their funding request.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced it will establish an Equity Commission and is requesting nominations for membership on the Equity Commission Advisory Committee and Equity Commission Subcommittee on Agriculture. The Notice represents an important step towards implementing President Biden’s commitment to create an Equity Commission and the American Rescue Plan Act provision that directs USDA to "address historical discrimination and disparities in the agriculture sector… [through] one or more equity commissions to address racial equity issues within USDA and its programs."

“USDA is committed to advancing equity throughout our Department,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “The Equity Commission is an important step in dismantling barriers historically underserved communities have faced in accessing USDA programs and services, especially with regard to access and inclusion in USDA agricultural programs and services. The Equity Commission will be an invaluable advisor on USDA’s continuing march towards justice and equity; we look forward to receiving a wide-ranging and diverse set of nominations from the public to serve on this transformational commission.”

“Today truly is a historic day at USDA. We are serious about our efforts to end discrimination across all areas of the Department and to improving access to services for key stakeholders,” said Deputy Secretary Jewel Bronaugh. “The American Rescue Plan supports USDA’s effort to address equity issues through the creation of an Equity Commission; we understand the importance of involving the public in this process of continuing to build trust among our customers and ensure fair and equitable programming, benefits, and services.”

The Equity Commission will advise the Secretary of Agriculture by identifying USDA programs, policies, systems, structures, and practices that contribute to barriers to inclusion or access, systemic discrimination, or exacerbate or perpetuate racial, economic, health and social disparities. The Subcommittee on Agriculture will be formed concurrently and will report back to the Equity Commission and provide recommendations on issues of concern related to agriculture. Subsequent subcommittees will focus on other policy areas, such as rural community and economic development. The Equity Commission will deliver an interim report and provide actionable recommendations no later than 12 months after inception. A final report will be generated within a two-year timeframe.

USDA is soliciting nominations to consider membership on both the Equity Commission and the Subcommittee on Agriculture. Both seek to reflect a diversity in demographics, regions of the country, background, and in experience and expertise. The Equity Commission and Subcommittee on Agriculture will require substantial representation from those whose mission is to serve or advocate for underserved communities, minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, individuals with limited English proficiency, rural communities, and LGBTQI+ communities. Other perspectives to capture include those from the small business community, higher education institutions, farmworker groups, and members of the American population and communities who bring their personal experiences to the discussion.

Nomination for the Equity Commission and the Subcommittee on Agriculture membership is open to the public and any interested person or organization may nominate qualified individuals for membership. The Equity Commission and the Subcommittee on Agriculture will each be comprised of 15 members. The Deputy and the Secretary will designate a Co-Chair to serve along with the Deputy Secretary as co-chairs of the Equity Commission.

President Biden signed an Executive Order On Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government and committed to creating an Equity Commission as part of his rural agenda and commitment to closing the racial wealth gap and addressing longstanding inequities in agriculture. Section 1006 of the American Rescue Plan directed USDA to create the Equity Commission and funded the effort along with an additional $1 billion in funding to support forward-looking activities that will advance equity and opportunity for historically underserved farmers, ranchers, forest land owners. The funding will be utilized to remove gaps that currently exist in USDA program benefits, improve access to resources, and restore trust and confidence in the Department for groups that have not had equal access to such resources through a combination of grants, loans, pilot programs, technical assistance, cooperative agreements, and more. In June, USDA published a Request for Information on Racial Justice and Equity and held over 15 hours of listening sessions with a wide-range of stakeholders to learn about experiences and receive feedback about its programs and services. The information collected will serve as a strong foundation for both the Equity Commission and to ensure these funds are deployed effectively and in response to the needs and priorities of underserved communities.

The Central and Northern California Ocean Observing System (CeNCOOS), Southern California Coastal Ocean Observing System (SCCOOS), and California Indian Environmental Alliance (CIEA) invite you to join us on Wednesday, December 8th from 9 AM - 11:30 AM for a Tribal Co-Management & Co-Monitoring Roundtable Discussion.

We hope to hear from Tribal and community monitoring partners during the group discussion specifically related to ongoing monitoring efforts, data management and cyberinfrastructure needs, monitoring gaps, and opportunities for enhanced collaborations. Please see the meeting objectives, call-in information, and a draft agenda below. We hope you can join us and look forward to a lively discussion.

Meeting Objectives:

Exchange information about relevant coastal and ocean issues, interests, and monitoring efforts including: water quality, HAB, oil spills, and other priority monitoring activities in five coastal regions;
Improve understanding of common interests and areas where OOS networks and support Tribal monitoring efforts;
Discuss data management infrastructure. Is there a roll for OOS DMAC in handling and serving Tribal data?;
Information products - how are decision-support tools being generated/funded? Brainstorm ideas for collaborative information products.

Please forward the invite as appropriate to other Tribal governments or community-led monitoring groups.

Draft Agenda can be found in the read more button below.

Call-In Information: December 8th, 9 AM - 11:30 AM PT
Join Zoom Meeting
https://mbari.zoom.us/j/82124599036?pwd=MXB6QWZmUXROdXBJMEUxOVRiVDlWdz09
Meeting ID: 821 2459 9036
Passcode: 547607
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+16699006833,,82124599036#,,,,*547607# US (San Jose)
+12532158782,,82124599036#,,,,*547607# US (Tacoma)
Dial by your location
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 821 2459 9036
Passcode: 547607

Sincerely,
Alex and the CeNCOOS, SCCOOS, and CIEA teams

1. Capacity Building Through Partnerships | Online
December 2nd at 10:00am | Register Here: https://www.events.rcac.org/assnfe/ev.asp?ID=2775

2. What You Need to Know About the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act | Online
December 2nd at 2:00pm | Register Here: https://www.events.rcac.org/assnfe/ev.asp?ID=2778

3. Storage and Distribution | Online
December 7th at 2:00pm | Register Here: https://www.events.rcac.org/assnfe/ev.asp?ID=2763

4. Rate Setting for Small Water Systems | Online
December 8th at 10:00am | Register Here: https://www.events.rcac.org/assnfe/ev.asp?ID=2766

December 8th at 2:00pm | Register Here: https://www.events.rcac.org/assnfe/ev.asp?ID=2767

5. AB54 & AB240: Ethics for Mutual Water Company Board Members
Onsite | Napa, CA
December 9th at 6:00pm | Register Here: https://www.events.rcac.org/assnfe/ev.asp?ID=2773

6. Pumps & Motors Troubleshooting
Onsite | Claremont, CA
December 14th at 8:30am | Register Here: https://www.events.rcac.org/assnfe/ev.asp?ID=2774

7. Sanitary Surveys
Onsite | Claremont, CA
December 15th at 8:30am | Register Here: https://www.events.rcac.org/assnfe/ev.asp?ID=2776

8. Guide to Rate Payer Assistance Programs | Online
December 16th at 2:00pm | Register Here: https://www.events.rcac.org/assnfe/ev.asp?ID=2961

January 24, 2022- 11:00 am - 12:00 pm PST-Location: Virtual

The California-Nevada Drought Early Warning System January 2022 Drought & Climate Outlook Webinar is part of a series of regular drought and climate outlook webinars designed to provide stakeholders and other interested parties in the region with timely information on current drought status and impacts, as well as a preview of current and developing climatic events (i.e., El Niño and La Niña). The webinar takes place at 11 a.m. PT, Monday, January 24, 2022.

A recording of this webinar will be posted on the NIDIS YouTube channel after the webinar.

To register, please hit the read more button to be redirected to the registration form.

First, thank you for reading our newsletter. We greatly appreciate your subscription to updates as they become available. Second, CIEA invites you to please share anything related to environmental issues such as artworks, writings, photos, words/sayings/phrases in your language, quotes that we can use within our newsletters to help close the message. Third, if you would to submit anything, please do not hesitate to contact Joel, our Communications Coordinator at [log in to unmask]